On New Year’s Day 2026, a significant overhaul of the Czech Criminal Code officially came into force, marking a historic shift in the nation’s approach to prejudice-based violence. The amendment explicitly adds sexual orientation and gender identity—alongside age, gender, and disability—to the list of general aggravating circumstances under Section 42(b). This reform moves beyond symbolic recognition by introducing “qualified factual bases” for a variety of crimes. This means that if a motive of hatred toward a victim’s LGBTQ+ identity is proven, the legal penalty range automatically increases.
For example, for crimes such as homicide, bodily harm, or torture, perpetrators now face significantly longer prison sentences than they would for the same acts without a proven hate motive. The amendment was driven by data from justice organizations, which found that 55% of LGBTQ+ individuals in Czechia had experienced threats or harassment. Despite this, 91% of victims previously chose not to report incidents to the police, often due to a lack of specific legal protections. By codifying these identities, the government aims to increase reporting rates by providing a clear legal framework for victims and fulfilling international obligations set by the European Court of Human Rights.
